Irrigation, vital for agriculture, involves supplying water through artificial means like pipelines and sprinklers. It enhances crop yields, accounting for 17% of global agricultural land and 40% of cereal output. India, with limited resources, irrigates 64.7 million hectares, enabling multiple harvests. The expanding global population heightens food security concerns, stressing irrigation systems.

In arid regions where water is scarce, drip irrigation is a good option because water is supplied at a low rate and it also saves a lot of water, whereas, in horticulture, sprinkler systems are widely used because they do not require large pipelines all over large lands and instead spray water droplets all over the area like rain.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) integration promise efficient water management. Despite expensive sensors, innovations offer affordable solutions. Smart irrigation, employing IoT, enhances farming by reducing water waste and boosting crop quality, essential for economic growth.

A recent report by Bhavsar et al ‘A comprehensive and systematic study in smart drip and sprinkler irrigation systems’ analyses the various types of smart drip and sprinkler irrigation systems with the help of IoT and also finds solution for the various challenges found in the various methods. Various irrigation technologies which include IoT are reviewed, with a focus on smart drip and sprinkler systems. Comparisons have been conducted between the methods to find the most efficient one in both the irrigation techniques.

It covers a variety of smart monitoring systems that may be used to monitor soil moisture conditions, water irrigation scheduling, and other factors using any portable device. It also deals with how different types of sensors and hardware may be utilised in different sorts of IoT systems for smart drip irrigation and smart sprinklers, as well as how data related to irrigation can be analysed using cloud platforms and machine learning techniques.

Farmers have been dealing with water issues for a long time. Some issues with irrigation scheduling, soil depth analysis, land management, and water waste remain unsolved by traditional irrigation systems. The report explores alternative ways for farmers to solve difficulties and make their jobs simpler using IoT. The other motivation is to discover the optimal irrigation strategy for a certain piece of land and a specific crop.

IoT in smart irrigation

Recent advances in smart irrigation, integrating IoT devices, automate irrigation processes, primarily in drip and sprinkler systems. These models enhance water efficiency, reducing waste and increasing agricultural output. They incorporate sensors to monitor environmental conditions, transmitting data to servers for analysis. Algorithms interpret this data, generating commands for irrigation systems.

Smart irrigation controllers, crucial for water conservation, come in two main types: Evapotranspiration (ET) controllers and soil moisture sensors. ET controllers adjust watering based on local meteorological data, optimising water usage by considering factors like soil evaporation and plant transpiration. Soil moisture sensors, on the other hand, gauge water needs directly from soil moisture levels. They trigger irrigation when levels fall below a set threshold.

Smart irrigation technology encompasses various applications, offering solutions tailored to specific needs. These systems combat water shortages and droughts, providing adaptive responses to changing environmental conditions.

By integrating weather-based and soil moisture-based controllers, smart irrigation maximises efficiency, minimises waste, and contributes to a sustainable environment. Regular maintenance and careful selection of sensor systems ensure effective water management, benefiting both the environment and finances.

Smart drip irrigation using IoT

Smart drip irrigation, utilising IoT, delivers water at low rates through plastic pipes, conserving water and nutrients. Drip systems benefit crops like grapes, bananas, and citrus fruits. Integrating IoT with drip irrigation optimises water usage and enhances crop yield. Various studies propose advanced systems using IoT sensors for soil moisture, temperature, and weather conditions. These systems automate irrigation, reducing labour and water wastage.

For instance, a proposed Variable Rate Drip Irrigation (VRDI) emitter design ensures uniform water distribution. Wireless Sensor Area Network (WSAN) based models offer better prediction capabilities and scalability, while microcontroller-based systems provide simplicity and reliability. IoT-driven smart irrigation holds promise for sustainable agriculture, utilising wireless communication and advanced sensors to maximise efficiency and minimise resource consumption.

Smart sprinkler irrigation using IoT

Smart sprinkler irrigation using IoT technology revolutionises traditional irrigation methods by incorporating automation and real-time monitoring. It operates by spraying water into the air, which then falls like rain onto plants. This method optimises water usage and reduces manual labour. Through IoT, farmers receive updates on sprinkler status, enhancing efficiency.

The system utilises soil moisture sensors to gauge irrigation needs, preventing over- or under-watering. Microcontrollers process sensor data to control sprinkler activation based on preset moisture levels. Automation streamlines the irrigation process, a crucial aspect of water-intensive agriculture.

Studies demonstrate various implementations of smart irrigation systems. Some focus on analysing environmental data to determine irrigation timing, while others utilise fuzzy logic for precise watering. Moreover, research explores integrating IoT with drip irrigation for efficient water distribution.

Innovative designs incorporate solar energy and advanced sensors for remote operation and energy conservation. Proposals for automated fire extinguishing systems and motion-sensing sprinklers highlight diverse applications beyond agriculture.

Furthermore, smart sprinkler systems leverage wireless communication technologies like radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, and WiFi for seamless connectivity. The integration of renewable energy sources and cloud-based monitoring enhances scalability and sustainability.

IoT-driven smart sprinkler irrigation systems offer a promising solution to water scarcity and agricultural inefficiencies. By optimising water usage, automating processes, and leveraging renewable energy, these systems contribute to increased productivity and environmental conservation. Wide adoption of such technologies can transform farming practices and improve food security globally.

Challenges and future scope

The adoption of IoT technology in agriculture, particularly for irrigation, faces several challenges that hinder its widespread acceptance. One significant barrier is the resistance to change among farmers, especially older generations, who may be hesitant to embrace new technologies. Additionally, high adoption costs, lack of awareness, and security concerns pose significant obstacles to the implementation of IoT in agriculture. Ensuring reliable internet connectivity and power supply in remote agricultural areas further complicates the deployment of IoT solutions.

Moreover, the handling of large volumes of data generated by IoT devices presents infrastructure and processing challenges. Smart irrigation systems offer benefits such as water conservation and improved crop yield, but convincing farmers of these advantages and addressing cost concerns are essential for widespread adoption. Implementing robust security measures can mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with IoT devices.

The future potential of IoT in irrigation lies in data organisation and analysis, facilitated by machine learning technologies. By collecting and analysing data on plant growth and environmental conditions, farmers can optimise irrigation practices and enhance productivity. Nanotechnology may play a role in expanding internet access to remote areas, facilitating IoT deployment.

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and surveillance technologies can further enhance agricultural productivity and security by detecting plant diseases and preventing trespassing. Future developments in IoT enabled irrigation systems are likely to focus on improving sensor technology, optimising resource usage, and enhancing data analysis capabilities.

While IoT holds great promise for revolutionising irrigation practices in agriculture, addressing challenges related to adoption, data management, and security is crucial for realising its full potential. Continued research and innovation in IoT technologies, coupled with efforts to educate and incentivise farmers, will be key to driving widespread adoption and maximising the benefits of smart irrigation systems. These models offer benefits and drawbacks, suitable for diverse environments based on factors like climate and farm size.

The full paper can be viewed here